Both Supplemental Security Income (SSI) and Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) provide benefits to individuals who are no longer able to work due to a disability. However, they are not interchangeable. SSI and SSDI are two entirely separate programs designed to help those in their time of need. Knowing the difference between the two will help you select the correct program to apply for. 

What Is Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI)?

To determine if a person has worked long enough to qualify for SSDI, the Social Security Administration (SSA) has a credit system where workers can earn up to four credits per year. However, the necessary income needed to earn a single credit will change annually. For 2020, employees must earn $1,410 per quarter for one credit and $5,640 per quarter for four credits. 

The SSA determines how much the SSDI benefits are based on your earnings. To be eligible, individuals must have worked for five of the last ten years and must have earned a set number of credits based on their age. 

Many also have families they provided for before their disability. SSDI also may allow the individual's dependent children to receive auxiliary benefits. 

Those with SSDI benefits also automatically qualify for Medicare 29 months after the established onset date. 

What Is Supplemental Security Income (SSI)?

Those who haven't earned enough work credits can be eligible for SSI. However, SSI's primary function is to assist disabled individuals with little or no income or resources. SSI doesn't have any work credit requirements, as it's based on financial need. 

To quality for SSI benefits the SSA must first consider the claimant’s resources. For couples to qualify for SSI benefits they must have less than $3,000 in resources and single individuals must have less than $2,000 in resources. 

The SSA increases its maximum SSI dispersal limit every year to match any increases to the cost of living. For 2020, the maximum a couple can receive per month from SSI is $1,175; single people can receive up to $783 a month. 

SSI recipients are automatically qualified for Medicaid without a waiting period. 

It's also possible for some people to qualify and get approval for both SSI and SSDI. If an individual has the necessary work credits, but their disability benefit is less than $783.00, they can receive both disability benefits.

Since 2000, the certified representatives at Disability Claim Consultants have provided help for those navigating the disability claims system. They'll assist you in filling out and filing the paperwork to ensure you receive the benefits you need. Their consultants also help those who want to appeal their denied claims. For more information on their SSI and SSDI assistance, visit their website. Based in Omaha, and serving the residents of eastern Nebraska and western Iowa, call (402) 422-1000 to schedule an appointment.